Project Task:
95
Grantee:
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
Project Title:
Dragon Run Special Area Management Plan
Project Description as Proposed:
Previously, MPPDC staff focused on tools, such as conservation easements, as means for landowners to keep their land in the family, while continuing to farm/timber and receive tax benefits. During this period, the amount of land conserved soared to 23% - a substantial accomplishment. While easements and land holdings by tax-exempt entities/political subdivisions support the goals of the SAMP – protecting water quality, supporting traditional uses (farming, forestry, etc), and preserving rural character, there are unintended fiscal impacts to the localities. In these tight economic times, negative impacts on revenues has led to opposition from some local governments. Because this opposition has the potential to jeopardize the tax benefit of the easement, it may decrease the desirability for private landowners to utilize this tool. The MPPDC adopted a resolution requesting the Dragon Run Steering Committee to study this issue further and to provide enforceable policy recommendations to address the conflict. The following activities are proposed by MPPDC for FY10: 1) Provide technical assistance for each watershed county during its adoption cycle and assist the implementation of the Dragon Run Comp Plan and/or Zoning Amendments 2) Administer a technical assistance program that supports the implementation of the Watershed Management Plan and support of the Dragon Run Steering Committee 3) Assess impact of conservation easements and conservation land holdings by tax exempt entities/political subdivisions on local revenues and land use patterns
Federal Funding:
$25,000
Project Contact:
Sara Stamp - (804) 758-23111: sstamp@mppdc.com
Project Status:
10/1/2010 - 9/30/2011
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov